Illinois courts adjusting to state's new bail reform law

QUINCY, Ill. (AP) - Courts across Illinois have had about a month to adjust to the requirements of the new bail reform law that took effect Jan. 1.

The Quincy Herald-Whig reports Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the Bail Reform Act in the summer that requires courts to consider a detainee's circumstances when setting conditions of release or imposing monetary bail.

The law requires a lawyer to be present at the initial court appearance for anyone arrested. The law aims to release defendants without requiring they post cash bail if they don't pose a reasonable threat to the community and are unlikely to flee.

The new law could allow more people facing nonviolent misdemeanor or low-level felonies, such as theft and drug possession to be released on recognizance bonds. It doesn't apply to those facing charges for violent crimes, sex crimes and domestic batteries.